I consider 30K making money.. if you do to, than yucca valley will absolutely work for flipsLanders is hot right now for some reason as well.. realtors tell me that 29 palms has amazing deals (But I just don't want to drive there)I would say avoid the bad and very good parts of town... and just focus on bread/butter properties.  

Why not give your tenants a notice:All painted surfaces have been painted with a startch base in the paint that will turn purple if any painted area is exposed to any synthetic drug smoke or vapor such as meth or K-2.LOL!

If this is a loan on a flip or any property, make sure you have LOTS of equity cushion today, not based off ARV. 70% ARV on a rehab that fails or a market hiccup is when 2nd's make the poooof sound & disappear.A information that your are in 2nd position doesn't define the entire risk without knowing the other factors.Here are 2 examples that illustrate:example 1: $200,000 ARV Bread & butter entry level home stable neighborhood $130,000 1st TD $10,000 2nd TDexample 2: $2,000,000 ARV Luxury custom home $1,300,000 1st TD $100,000 2nd TDAre both equal in risk?

And I wouldnt go smaller tile, Id go bigger and porcelain not ceramic and be sure setter butters backs of tile.

Arlington from 85-125k should net some bread and butter rentals.  

The big snap traps placed close to walls baited with peanut butter.

I had great success with borax mixed with peanut butter in my house.

Make sure it is in the bread and butter type price range.If you lived in my area, Glenn, I would certainly take you under my wing and try to give you suggestions on how to accomplish what you want.

Photos make or break your listing and if you are not keeping up with your competitors, great photos and good reviews are going to be your bread and butter to increased occupancy. 

My personal property is in the woods and I make it a game to see how many mice I can catch at a night in the winter months with the old school snap traps and peanut butter.